A young man and his dog walk great lengths every week, just to learn and grow together.
Mpophomeni, KwaZulu-Natal (04 September 2025) – Every Friday, twelve-year-old Siphosethu sets out on foot with his adorable dog, Teddy, by his side.
Together, they walk 5km through the KZN township of Mpophomeni to get to Funda Nenja’s dog school. And once the lesson is over, they turn around and walk the 5km back home again. They’ve done it together since March this year.
That’s 10km of dedication every single week, just so Teddy can learn and grow, and so Sipho can too.
For anyone new to the name, Funda Nenja has been part of the Mpophomeni township for 16 years now. What started back in 2009 as one dog training class has grown into an incredible organisation that works to educate children on how to love and care for their pets. The group also implements various programs that uplift both the community of eMpophomeni and their beloved animals.
One of the biggest aspects of the organisation is doggy school. Every Friday, kids gather with their dogs to learn how to train them with patience and kindness.
In the process, they pick up lessons about care, responsibility, and respect. That knowledge and love travels back home with them and spreads into the community. Over the years, thousands of children and dogs have walked through those classes, and countless tails have wagged a little happier because of it.
Back to Sipho and Teddy, one of the school’s most dedicated duos.
When Nomonde, Funda Nenja’s Animal Welfare Education Officer, visited Sipho’s family recently, she couldn’t believe the distance this young boy and his dog cover every week to attend. Yet, every week they show up, come rain or shine.
“Siphosethu must be one of most dedicated learners that we have ever had the pleasure of working with,” shares Funda Nenja.
His grandparents say they’ve seen real changes since Sipho and Teddy joined the classes earlier this year. Teddy has become easier to manage, and Sipho has grown more confident and responsible. The family, who clearly care deeply for their dog, were also gifted a kennel, blankets and food hampers. Kindnesses they received with huge gratitude.
A couple of weeks later, after the story Sipho’s long weekly trek was shared, a kind donor decided this young man needed something more to help him on his way. They gifted him a sturdy new pair of walking shoes and a fresh pair of socks. It might seem like a small gift, but to Sipho it means a whole lot more.
He is over the moon with his new kicks which will make getting to Friday lessons with Teddy just a little easier.
He’s “both grateful and delighted,” Funda Nenja shares.
Sipho and Teddy’s story is one of those small but mighty reminders of what dedication looks like. A boy and his best four-legged friend, backed by kind souls who only want to see them smile.
“With this kind of support we can together make a difference to those less fortunate. Thank you,” ends Funda Nenja.
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